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SERVICES INCLUDE
INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING &; PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION.
Journey To Licensure provides licensure exam prep, professional mentoring and wellness consultation to social workers.
Individual & Holistic Wellness Coaching to social workers taking the master level and clinical examinations. This services includes a self-care assessment and plan that incorporates mindfulness stress reduction techniques and coping skills to manage daily stressors while maintaining focus on licensing exam preparation. Group Coaching to social workers in a group setting, peer support.
INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING &; PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION.
Journey To Licensure provides licensure exam prep, professional mentoring and wellness consultation to social workers.
Individual & Holistic Wellness Coaching to social workers taking the master level and clinical examinations. This services includes a self-care assessment and plan that incorporates mindfulness stress reduction techniques and coping skills to manage daily stressors while maintaining focus on licensing exam preparation. Group Coaching to social workers in a group setting, peer support.
342 Episodes
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After three years of setbacks, test anxiety, and self-doubt, Tiara Johnson finally saw the word PASS on her LCSW exam screen. In this powerful conversation with exam coach Shara Ruffin, Tiara shares her journey from tears of failure to triumph, how she learned to manage anxiety, and the mindset shifts that helped her succeed. Her story is a reminder that resilience, structure, and belief can turn your hardest battles into your greatest victories.
In Part 2 of Sayida Farmer’s journey, we catch up after she passed her LCSW exam — to explore what life looks like after the win.Sayida opens up about the emotional shifts, renewed confidence, and what it really feels like to move from surviving to thriving. She shares the inner healing that continued well beyond test prep — and how she’s now stepping fully into her calling.🎧 In this follow-up episode:Sayida reflects on what passing meant to her identityHow she overcame imposter syndrome post-licensureHer advice for others stuck in cycles of fear, doubt, or delayThis is more than a success story — it’s a liberation story.
In this powerful episode, Sayida Farmer opens up about her 20-year journey to finally passing her LCSW exam. After failing the exam three times in the past by just five points total, Sayida faced major hurdles: severe test anxiety, sensory sensitivities, possible undiagnosed ADHD, and deep-rooted self-doubt.She joined Journey To Licensure with the hope of finally breaking the cycle. With trauma-informed coaching, structured accountability, and emotional support, Sayida rebuilt her confidence and developed new ways to study that worked with her neurodivergent brain — not against it.Listeners will learn: • How Sayida’s mindset shifted after decades of academic trauma • The coaching tools that helped her score higher on practice exams • The emotional moment she realized she passed her official LCSW exam on June 6, 2025 • Why support, strategy, and believing in your growth make all the differenceSayida’s story is not just about passing a test — it’s about reclaiming identity, building resilience, and proving that it’s never too late to succeed.
After five failed tries, Christal Dewberry, LMSW refused to quit. On her sixth attempt, she finally passed her exam—just one point over the cutoff. In this episode, Christal shares how she overcame setbacks, trusted her instincts, and leaned on community support to reach her goal.Her story is a reminder that persistence pays off and that your license is always within reach if you keep going.
After three failed attempts, Kimberly Simmonds finally passed her LCSW exam—and her story is pure inspiration. With coaching, strategy cheat sheets, and mindset shifts, she overcame self-doubt, test anxiety, and perfectionism to achieve her dream. If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks, Kimberly’s journey proves that success is possible with the right tools and support.
On her 4th try, Kimberly Simmonds called her coach in tears of joy — she finally passed her LCSW exam. In this emotional conversation, Kimberly shares how faith, strategy cheat sheets, and trusting the process helped her push past anxiety and self-doubt to reach her dream. Her journey is proof that perseverance pays off.
After missing the LMSW exam by just two points, Jabari Douglas faced family caregiving, health challenges, and a demanding career. With coaching, he not only passed the exam but also rebuilt his professional brand—attracting recruiters before test day. His story shows how resilience and strategy can turn setbacks into career and licensure success.
In this episode, Shara Ruffin sits down with Faith Loyal, a new graduate who discovered Journey To Licensure on TikTok after following Shara on YouTube in 2024. Faith joined the April 2025 Mastery Group and, without even taking a practice exam, passed her LMSW on the first attempt.Faith shares her fears, how she built confidence through group support, and the strategies that helped her succeed—offering encouragement and golden nuggets for other social workers preparing for their own exams.
After two near misses, Edith — an Afro-Latina social worker — faced test anxiety and self-doubt head-on. With strategy, structure, and support from Journey To Licensure®, she passed her LCSW on the third try in August 2025.
Newly licensed social worker Tracie-Anne, LMSW shares how she passed her exam on the first try after joining the Journey To Licensure® 5-Week Mastery Group Program. From battling imposter syndrome to finding confidence through structure and mindset coaching, her story shows that success is possible with the right support.
Tonia Jones, MSW, shares her inspiring journey from battling cancer and navigating ADHD and anxiety to passing her LMSW exam on her second attempt in June 2025. After first testing in 2022, she found success through faith, resilience, and support from Journey To Licensure® coaching and the Mastery Group.
In this powerful episode of the Journey To Licensure Podcast, we sit down with Gary T. Taylor, LCSW—also known as Trey—a therapist, professor, doctoral researcher, and racial equity consultant who brings heart, depth, and lived experience to every space he enters.From the rural roots of Caroline County, Virginia, to the classrooms of Virginia State and the research halls at the University of Kentucky, Gary shares his journey of faith, healing, and fierce advocacy for Black men’s mental health and suicide prevention.We explore: • How faith and identity shaped his clinical path • Culturally rooted strategies for engaging Black clients • What racial equity really requires in professional spaces • His journey through licensure—and what he’d tell his younger selfThis is a conversation about meeting people where they are, reclaiming narrative power, and choosing purpose over performance. • Why sneakers, cars, and coffee are more than hobbies—they’re healingWhether you’re studying for your exam, showing up in the field, or searching for your voice—you’ll want to press play on this one.
If you feel stuck in your social work career or dream of moving into clinical, leadership, or travel social work, this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure® is for you. Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares how countless social workers have transformed their futures by conquering the licensure exam and stepping boldly into new career possibilities. You’ll learn why your dream role is closer than you think, how to break through feeling stagnant, and the first steps you can take today.Ready to rise above self-doubt and achieve true social work success? Listen now—and don’t forget to follow for more exam prep tips, or book a consultation to start your journey!
In this powerful episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reveals why a structured study plan is the key to conquering test anxiety and social work exam overwhelm. Discover how prioritizing your weak areas, tracking your progress, and following a personalized study roadmap can save you time and set you up for LCSW or LMSW success. Shara shares her proven framework that takes the guesswork out of exam prep—no more wasting energy or feeling lost.
Feeling left behind by study groups or struggling to stay motivated on your licensure journey? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, we unravel why traditional study groups often fall short—and how real, ongoing accountability can be your game-changer. Georgia James shares honest insights into the power of guidance, connection, and tailored support systems for LCSW and LMSW candidates battling test anxiety and isolation.Ready to stop starting over? Discover empowering, actionable strategies and follow for more social work exam prep tips—or book a consult to get the accountability and guidance you deserve.
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down how anxiety impacts your brain during high-stakes social work exams like the LCSW and LMSW. Discover what really causes your mind to go blank under pressure—and learn science-backed strategies to overcome test anxiety and reclaim your confidence. With uplifting insights and practical tips for grounding and focus, this episode is your roadmap to exam-day success.Follow for more social work exam prep tips and book a consult to get personalized support on your licensure journey!
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the root of exam stress—lack of structure. If you're overwhelmed by endless study guides and second-guessing your every move, Shara shares how a step-by-step study system takes the guesswork out of LCSW or LMSW exam prep. Discover why a personalized or group approach designed just for first-time test takers can replace anxiety with confidence and clarity.
Ever feel lost in a sea of study programs and still not seeing results? You’re not alone. In this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks why juggling multiple ASWB exam resources can actually sabotage your learning—and shares her proven, personalized approach to focused exam prep success. Discover how simplifying your study plan can boost your confidence, close knowledge gaps, and finally get you across the finish line.
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares Ashley’s courageous story of grit and growth after ten unsuccessful social work exam attempts. Discover how personalized exam prep, CBT techniques, and a strategic study plan helped Ashley silence self-doubt and see success on her eleventh try. If you’re struggling with test anxiety or feeling discouraged, Ashley’s journey proves your setbacks don’t define you.
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks the true meaning of resilience for social work exam takers. Discover actionable strategies to turn setbacks, test anxiety, and study struggles into powerful growth opportunities on your LCSW or LMSW journey. Shara shares three proven steps to help you reframe challenges, take control, and practice self-compassion as you prepare for success.
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